Feb. 2, 2025: World Wetlands Day 2025 was observed today at Leishang Hiden, Canchipur, under the UN theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” The state-level observance, organized by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, was attended by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh as the Chief Guest, Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Shri Th. Biswajit Singh as the President, and Langthabal AC MLA Shri Karam Shyam as the Guest of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister stated that Leishang Hiden had been chosen as the site for observing World Wetlands Day, considering its historical significance and the need to implement conservation measures.
Emphasizing his concern for the environment, the Chief Minister recalled the dilapidated condition of the Nambul River some years ago. He stated that the cleaning process of the river began when he was the Forest and Environment Minister in 2004. After becoming the Chief Minister, the rejuvenation and conservation work of the Nambul River continued. He added that household waste along the Nambul River is now transported through pipelines and treated at the water treatment plant in Mongsangei, with the treated water being used for agricultural purposes.
He informed that Phase-I of the Leishang Hiden eastern part project is being developed at a cost of around ₹12.81 crore. He further mentioned that the western side would also be developed, incorporating spaces for walking, cycling, and an open gym, among other amenities. Additionally, he spoke about the beautification of road medians through tree planting and regular watering.
N. Biren Singh announced plans to consider constructing a market shed in the Langthabal area.
Speaking on the State Government’s initiatives to rejuvenate water bodies, the Chief Minister mentioned that the restoration of Yaral Pat had been completed. The rejuvenation of the Lamphelpat waterbody project has been undertaken with a project cost of around ₹650 crore. He raised concerns over environmental degradation and the extinction of water sources due to large-scale deforestation. Stressing the need to use groundwater as a water source, he informed that more than 500 ground drilling pumps had been set up under the Minor Irrigation Department.
He further stated that the beautification of various rivers, including the Imphal River and Kongba River, would be carried out with a project cost of approximately ₹86 crore. He also highlighted the positive changes observed in Waithou Pat.
Concluding his speech, he sought public support for the State Government’s initiatives to safeguard indigenous people and implement development projects.
Delivering his speech as the President of the observance, Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Shri Th. Biswajit Singh stated that various human activities and the unethical use of natural resources for personal gain had led to environmental degradation and climate change.
He stressed the need for a mass awareness program on the importance of wetlands in preserving nature and the environment, noting that the number of wetlands in the state had significantly decreased. He pointed out that wetland degradation is occurring three times faster than forest degradation. He also raised concerns about the loss of spring sources in hill areas, leading to water scarcity.
The Minister informed that the Government is in the process of notifying seven wetlands under the Wetlands (Management and Conservation) Rules, 2017, including:
- Kachouphung / Achau Maki Wetland of Kamjong
- Jaimeng Wetland of Kangpokpi
- Waithou-Phumnom Pat of Thoubal & Imphal East
- Yaral Pat of Imphal East
- Utra Pat of Bishnupur District
- Pumlen-Khoidum Pat of Kakching
- Ikop-Kharung Pat of Thoubal and Kakching
During the program, Shri N. Biren Singh released “Wetlands of Manipur” Version 1.0.
